Second National Sickle Cell Conclave to be inaugurated

Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda, will inaugurate Second National Sickle Cell Conclave on the occasion of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day 2021 on June 19.

National Sickle Cell Conclave

This conclave is held to mark world Sickle Cell Day every year. It is being organised by Ministry of Tribal Affairs in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Apollo Hospitals, Novartis, Piramal Foundation etc. It will arrange discussions about latest advances and future trends in treatment of SCD on vulnerable patient population.

What is Sickle cell disease (SCD)?

SCD is the most prevalent inherited blood disorder or a genetic red blood cell disorder. People with sickle cell disorders don’t have enough healthy red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body. It is widespread amongst many tribal population groups in India. Several cost-effective interventions have reduced morbidity and mortality from SCD in India. However, access to care for SCD in tribal regions limited. SCD is prevalent predominantly in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, western Odisha, eastern Gujarat and Nilgiri Hills of north Tamil Nadu & Kerala.

World Sickle Cell Awareness Day 2021

World Sickle Cell Day is observed every year on June 19. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to recognise sickle cell disease as a public health problem on December 22, 2008.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2021